World Wars
Historians refer to the two major conflicts of the 20th century as the World Wars. The first occurred in 1914, while the second broke out in 1939. The term “world war” is derived from the fact that many great powers participated in these conflicts, which resulted in significant loss of life. This article will discuss the causes of both World Wars.
Causes of World War I
Immediate Cause
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 was primarily triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria during his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the wake of this incident, Austria declared war on Serbia, the nation to which the assassin belonged. Russia quickly sided with Serbia, leading several other nations to join their respective allies. Germany, Italy, and the Ottoman Empire supported Austria, while Britain and France allied with Russia. Eventually, the United States joined the Allied Powers led by Britain toward the end of the war.
Underlying Causes
Numerous factors contributed to the outbreak of World War I, including:
- The military alliances formed among European nations and Russia, which led to political tensions and an arms race.
- The rise of nationalism in Europe, where different national groups sought to assert their power and extend their influence.
- An industrial surplus that prompted countries to expand their reach and acquire raw materials to sustain production and market their goods.
Causes of World War II
Immediate Cause
The repercussions of World War I were among the catalysts for World War II, which ignited in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland after having annexed Austria and Czechoslovakia. This act served as the direct spark for the onset of the second global conflict.
Underlying Causes
- The German government sought to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, including disarmament measures. The new German leadership under Hitler rejected these treaty terms and initiated an unprecedented arms race.
- The severe economic depression that plagued European nations in the early 1930s led some countries to assert control over others—Germany, for instance, managed to incorporate several nations into its sphere of influence.
- The emergence of dictatorial military leaders and nationalist movements greatly affected geopolitical dynamics. In Germany, the Nazis led by Hitler rose to power; in Italy, Mussolini’s fascists gained control; while Japan witnessed militaristic leaders pursuing ambitions of expansion, resulting in the invasion of Korea and China.